THE MAN expected to to become Zimbabwe’s next leader has called on Robert Mugabe to resign the presidency as pressure mounts on the 93-year-old to step down.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose ousting by Robert Mugabe prompted military intervention earlier this month, is the latest in a series of influential figures to demand an end to Mugabe’s 37-year reign.

In a statement, Mnangagwa said Mugabe needed to heed the "clarion call" of his people and step down.

He revealed he fled the country following a threat to his life after being ousted earlier this month and despite being urged to return to Zimbabwe by Mugabe, said he could not come back until his personal security could be guaranteed.

He said in a statement: "I told the President that I would not return home now until I am satisfied of my personal security, because of the manner and treatment given to me upon being fired.

“Given the events that followed my dismissal I cannot trust my life in President Mugabe’s hands.

“Security personnel, who are friendly to me, warned me that plans were underfoot to eliminate me once arrested and take me to a police station. It was in my security interest to leave the country immediately.”

He reveals he told the 93-year-old that the current constitutional crisis was a matter between the people of Zimbabwe and him, rather than a spat between Mnangagwa and Mugabe.

REUTERS

Mnangagwa reads a birthday card to Robert Mugabe earlier this year

Mr Mnangagwa continues to say the president has two options: to cooperate in order to find a peaceful solution to the crisis and protect Mugabe’s legacy, or continue to frustrate the people of Zimbabwe and eventually suffer humiliation.

Although many expected Mr Mugabe to announce his resignation on Sunday evening in his televised statement, it has now been reported that Zanu-PF decided he would not step down in front of the military generals and instead his speech was designed to show the military intervention was not a coup.

Following the army’s intervention last week in response to Mugabe’s sacking of vice president Mnangagwa, it has become clear that Mugabe’s 37-year tenure as the Zimbabwean president will shortly come to an end amid widespread demands for his resignation.

EPA

The Zimbabwe crisis was sparked by Mugabe's decision to sack Mnangagwa (L)

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